Restoration work is coming to the First Bank of the United States/NPS file
The First Bank of the United States located within Independence Hall National Historical Park in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, will undergo an extensive rehabilitation in advance of the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence in 2026.
Built between 1795-97 when Philadelphia served as the nation’s capital, the bank was the first building designed specifically for the new federal government.
The work will be completed with $22.2 million from the Great American Outdoors Act.
“Rehabilitating the First Bank will meet a long-held goal for the park,” said acting Superintendent Amnesty Kochanowski. “This national historic landmark was acquired in 1956 when the park was established but has been closed to the public for most of the park’s history. The restoration of the renowned building gives the park the opportunity to showcase aspects of the economy of the early republic and the role of the controversial national bank. I am thrilled to see this project truly underway.”
The exterior work will include the replacement of leaking metal roofing, flashings, hatches, and louvers. Marble and brick masonry will be stabilized, cleaned, and repaired. The interior renovations will correct moisture incursion problems, repair damage to walls, replace an elevator, update the electrical and HVAC systems, and add accessible restrooms and a fire suppression system. A new addition will serve as the main visitor entrance. The work will be performed by the Bedwell Company of West Chester, Penn., a small, local contractor.
The Independence Historical Trust, the park's philanthropic partner, is supplementing the restoration work funded by GAOA. Thus far, it has raised $4.5 million for essential architectural and construction documents and for the design, fabrication and installation of state-of-the-art interactive and immersive exhibits once the building rehabilitation is complete.
“The trust is proud to help renovate the First Bank and create a museum about the early American economy and the realization of Alexander Hamilton’s vision for an economically unified nation,” said Executive Director Tom Caramanico. “We are committed to completing the fundraising goal of $5 million and confident that donors will be further motivated by the commencement of the building's restoration.”
The nation's upcoming semi-quincentennial is expected to increase interest in the places, people, and stories associated with Independence National Historical Park. The renovated First Bank of the United States and its exhibits will provide additional insight to the watershed events of 1776 and the establishment of a new nation.
